Dr Mario Giardini and Dr Iain Livingstone demonstrating the world's first 5G tele-examination of an eye

UK ophthalmologists delivered the world’s first tele-examination of an eye using 5G broadband, which was streamed live between London and a conference in Edinburgh.

Dr Peter Thomas, ophthalmologist and digital innovation director at Moorfields Eye Hospital, together with ophthalmology registrar Dr Chrishan Gunasekera, used a 5G connected smartphone attached to a portable slit lamp to provide a live image of the eye of Dr Iain Livingstone, acute tele-ophthalmology system lead from NHS Forth Valley, at the conference.

Using London’s and Edinburgh’s new 5G network, the demonstration showed how the new technology opens up huge potential for telemedicine in the future, said Dr Thomas. “This marked a significant turning point in teleophthalmology as we were able to deliver such detailed images in real time, using readily available equipment. At Moorfields we have some very highly specialised doctors in rare diseases who could make their expertise available at a greater distance with this technology, which could have a significant positive impact on many patients.”

Dr Mario Giardini from the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Biomedical Engineering said: “The emergence of 5G technology offers vast opportunities for medicine and healthcare… we expect that telemedicine will soon reach the same clarity as in-person consultations, connecting remote areas to doctors and promoting equality in access to healthcare.

Moorfields plans to launch new teleconsultation services to patients as part of a UK NHS trial within the next few months.